After a relaxing breakfast at your luxurious Luxor hotel, you’ll embark on the second day of your unforgettable luxury Luxor day trip. Today, you will explore the West Bank of Luxor, a region rich in the ancient Egyptian royal history, where some of the most remarkable tombs and temples of the Pharaohs are located.
Your expert, English-speaking guide will accompany you throughout the day, providing in-depth knowledge of the ancient Egyptian burial customs, royal life, and religious practices.
Your first stop will be the Valley of the Kings, a UNESCO World Heritage site that served as the final resting place for over 60 Pharaohs, including the famous Tutankhamun, Ramses II, and Seti I.
Carved into the cliffs of the Theban Mountains, these tombs are adorned with vivid paintings and hieroglyphs that depict the Pharaohs’ journey into the afterlife.
As you explore the tombs, you’ll have the opportunity to visit Tutankhamun’s tomb, discovered by Howard Carter in 1922. The tomb is world-renowned for its treasures, including the iconic golden mask of Tutankhamun, which offers a glimpse into the wealth and artistry of ancient Egypt. Your guide will explain the mummification process and ancient Egyptian burial rituals, giving you insight into how the Pharaohs were prepared for their journey to the gods.
Afterward, you will visit the Colossi of Memnon, two enormous statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III that stand as silent sentinels on the West Bank of Luxor. These towering statues, each over 18 meters tall, are remnants of Amenhotep III’s mortuary temple, which was once a grand structure but is now mostly lost to time.
The Colossi of Memnon are famous for their mystical acoustic phenomenon: ancient visitors believed that the statues would “sing” at dawn due to the warming of the stone. Your guide will explain the significance of these impressive statues and their role in the funerary cult of the Pharaoh.
Next, you’ll head to the Temple of Hatshepsut, one of the most architecturally stunning temples in Luxor. Located in the Deir el-Bahari cliffs, this mortuary temple was built to honor Queen Hatshepsut, one of Egypt’s few female Pharaohs. The temple features three grand terraces, adorned with statues and reliefs that depict Hatshepsut’s divine birth, her successful reign, and her famous expedition to Punt (modern-day Somalia).
The temple is known for its harmonious design, which perfectly blends with the surrounding desert landscape. As you explore the temple, your guide will share insights into Hatshepsut’s remarkable reign, how she defied traditional gender roles to become one of Egypt’s most successful rulers, and her ambitious building projects.
After your exploration of these remarkable sites, enjoy a traditional Egyptian lunch at a local restaurant. Relish authentic dishes like koshari, molokhia, grilled meats, and sweet treats like baklava. This culinary break will provide a chance to relax and enjoy more of Egypt’s rich culture and cuisine.
In the afternoon, you’ll be transferred to Luxor International Airport for your return flight to Cairo. Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, your private driver will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Cairo